What Does Argan Oil Smell Like?

The smell of argan oil changes based on how it’s made and its purity. 100% Pure argan oil has no smell. Some people think it smells strong, like goat manure or sharp cheese and that’s an indication of dilluted argan oil. 

Brands like Sahel Souk provide 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil, focusing on keeping it pure and natural, and has no smell.

The lack of artificial scents in argan oil keeps its quality and good aspects. Still, not everyone likes the natural argan oil fragrance, and do like dilluted non-pure argan oil.

Key Takeaways

• The scent of argan oil varies with its processing and purity.
• Some users detect a strong odor resembling goat manure or cheese.
• Brands like Sahel Souk offer pure, unrefined argan oil.
• A strong odor likely indicate spoilage.

The Natural Scent of Argan Oil

The scent of unrefined argan oil is unique and varies. People who use it notice it smells like olive oil or has a strong, earthy scent. This happens because the oil is barely processed. It keeps its natural parts, giving it a pure smell. Sometimes, you might catch a whiff of light citrus, showing how pure the oil is.

For some, the smell of argan oil can be quite strong. They might say it smells “pungent” or like “manure” because it’s not pure. It’s made traditionally, which keeps the earthy and real smell of the argan nut. Even so, lots of people love this natural scent. They see it as a sign of the oil’s quality and its roots.

Factors That Affect Argan Oil’s Smell

Many things affect how pure argan oil smells. This includes the oil’s quality, how it’s stored, and the weather in the place where argan nuts grow. The smell can be light and citrusy, or sometimes hardly there. The way argan oil is kept is very important. If it sits in sunlight or is exposed to air too much, its natural smell weakens. Also, the oil’s fatty acids respond to temperature changes, changing its aroma.

The weather plays a big part in the smell of argan oil. The soil, the amount of rain, and yearly weather changes can change what the oil smells like. For cooking, argan nuts are toasted, giving the oil a strong nutty smell different from cosmetic oil. The amount of vitamin E in the oil can also affect its smell. More vitamin E can keep the oil’s natural fragrance for longer.

Different Grades of Cosmetic Argan Oil

Every grade of cosmetic argan oil has its own special qualities and uses. The ‘Naturally Scented’ grade is known for its strong aroma. It’s perfect for those who love the original smell of the oil. The ‘Active Carbon’ grade has a lighter, sweet smell. This is because of its thorough filtration process.

If you want something with little smell, ‘Unscented Argan Oil’ is great. It goes through a deep filtration to remove debris. This makes it almost smell-free and great for sensitive skin. On the other hand, ‘Completely Deodorized’ argan oil has no scent at all. It’s the go-to choice for adding to products like soaps and shampoos.

The process of steam deodorization keeps the oil’s natural qualities intact. It is done in a vacuum to stop oxidation. This keeps the oil’s helpful features. Knowing about cosmetic argan oil grades helps consumers pick the right oil for their needs. Whether you want a fragrant oil or a scent-free one, there’s an option for you.

How to Identify Fake or Rancid Argan Oil by Smell

Smell is key to telling real argan oil from fake or spoiled ones. Real argan oil has a unique, natural smell that’s neutral, and earthy like. Fake or watered-down argan oil likely will have some smell, showing it’s not pure. Remember, the natural smell of real argan oil fades soon after you put it on, leaving a softer scent.

Old oils often smell bad, like they’ve gone off. If your argan oil smells sour, it’s probably bad and you shouldn’t use it. A smoky scent means the oil is for eating, not putting on your skin or hair. This kind because they toast the nuts before getting the oil out.

Single filtered argan oil smells stronger than those that are filtered more. A rich nutty smell or a light olive oil scent means it’s the real deal. But if it barely smells, it might not be pure. By paying attention to how it smells, you can spot real, high-quality argan oil. This ensures you get all its benefits for skin and hair.

FAQ

What does argan oil smell like?

The scent of argan oil can vary. 100% pure argan oil does not have any poor odor and has no to little smell. However, it might smell mild, like citrus, or strong, like goat manure or cheese which indicates low purity. 

Why does unrefined argan oil have a strong natural smell?

Unrefined argan oil smells natural due to minimal processing. Its scent can remind you of olive oil, organic notes, sour touches, or citrus fruits. This keeps the oil full of benefits.

What factors influence the smell of pure argan oil?

The smell of pure argan oil is influenced by its grade, how it’s stored, and the climate of the argan nuts’ origin. These can make the oil’s fragrance range from mild to very strong.

How does long-term storage affect the natural smell of argan oil?

Storing argan oil for a long time can change its smell. When exposed to sunlight or air, and temperature shifts, the oil’s scent might alter.

What are the different grades of cosmetic argan oil and their scent profiles?

Cosmetic argan oil has four main grades:
– ‘Naturally Scented’ grade smells the strongest.
– ‘Active Carbon’ deodorized oil smells sweet and mild.
– ‘Unscented Argan Oil’ has little to no smell.
– ‘Completely Deodorized’ oil is odorless, perfect for soaps or shampoos.

How can one identify fake or rancid argan oil by its smell?

Rancid or fake argan oil smells sour or off. Genuine argan oil has a natural minor to little scent but it shouldn’t last long after you use it. A smoky scent means it’s for cooking, while a strong nutty smell shows its authenticity.

Why might argan oil have a mild or no detectable smell?

The scent of argan oil depends on how it’s processed. Refined or double-filtered oils might have little to no smell. No added fragrances and the deodorization process can also reduce the odor.